Creating Breakout Spaces That Actually Get Used
Every office has that one corner with a couch that nobody sits on or a ping pong table that collects dust instead of boosting morale. It’s nice to give employees a place to breathe, reset, or collaborate outside of their desks, but these spaces often go unused.
A breakout space only works when it feels like an actual destination. When designed well, a breakout area becomes a functional retreat from desks and cubicles, fueling creativity and collaboration.
Below are some tips to design a breakout space your team will actually use.
- Make the space visually inviting
Don’t underestimate the power of visual cues to make your breakout space look inviting. Nobody’s going to set foot in a space that looks drab or uncomfortable. Something as simple as door signs can signal that the space is open for use. Custom office signs are affordable, attractive, and if you get the type of signage that gets inserted into a frame, you can change it out as needed. Pair that with appealing colors, natural light, and thoughtful furniture, and the room will become a hot spot for team collaboration.
- Use visual branding. Your breakout space needs an identity. You can accomplish that with wall graphics, art, and inspirational décor. Employees are more likely to use a breakout room that feels like it blends in with the office culture.
- Create good lighting. No matter how poorly lit the rest of your office might be, give thought to lighting your breakout space. If there’s not enough light as is, add some floor and table lamps or hang extra lights from the ceiling.
- Make it comfortable. Your breakout room should look and feel like a retreat away from the desk or cubicle life. Spice it up with a large, plush area rug and add some comfortable seating. For example, beanbag chairs with backs, armchairs, and a couple of small couches will do the trick. Employees can spot a comfortable corner from a mile away and will make a beeline to collaborate there.
Your breakout space will only get used if it looks inviting. Depending on your team culture, you might even want to create an informal space in a corner rather than a dedicated room with a door. For some teams, an informal space will be more appealing.
- Make it accessible
If your breakout room is tucked away in a far corner past a maze of desks, it’s not going to see much action. Convenience is one of the biggest factors that goes into how often a space is used. Employees are more likely to use spaces that are within a short walk of their desks.
It helps if people need to walk by the breakout space on a regular basis, so they know where it is from muscle memory. Spaces that get used feel like part of the office layout.
- Create the right type of space
There’s more to a breakout room than just creating a secluded area for collaboration. The design and function can vary wildly. For example, there are enclosed private pods, meeting pods, hot desks, touch-down areas, reading rooms, game rooms, lounges, coffee bars, and even outdoor spaces that all serve as breakout spaces. The type of space that’s right for your office will depend on your culture, team, budget, and physical space. But before you section off any old corner of your office, consider all your options to see what would best support your team.
- Control for noise
Successful breakout spaces serve two purposes. They facilitate collaboration and provide a quiet space for downtime. It’s beneficial to prevent noise from traveling out into the rest of the office and to block normal office noise from entering the space. Adding acoustic panels will reduce echo and absorb some of the sound to keep conversations private. It’s not perfect but it’s enough. The key is to create a balanced space so that it’s not too noisy or isolated.
- Consider technological needs
The best breakout spaces are equipped with the right technology like multiple power outlets and good Wi-Fi coverage. Having plug-and-play screens available for group huddles and spontaneous collaboration also helps. Employees should feel like they can go into the space with their laptop, stay connected, and get work done.
A breakout space is an office essential
The right breakout space will be used frequently, supporting a steady flow of ideas and connection. Your team will only use a space that’s inviting, practical, and comfortable. When a breakout room is designed for collaboration from the ground up, it becomes a regular part of office life.
